How do you desensitize crias for easy herd management?

It took me some time to figure out what works for our herd. Hope you’ll find this helpful.

I initially start by doing light touching such as a quick pat on the back or neck until they seem ok with that. I try to do a little bit every day- so even just casually touching them as you walk by counts. I do this in an area where the alpacas have a choice to stay or walk away. One very important thing is to not teach them fear as that is very hard for them to unlearn. So I take baby steps and only do a little at a time. While you’re trying to desensitize, it doesn’t feel like you’re making any progress since each step is so small. But it all adds up over time.

Here are a few videos for specific herd management tasks I desensitize for once they are comfortable with touch in general.

One Response

Suzan Headrick

Good afternoon! I’d like to receive your e-mail book for beginners! I’m currently working on getting adequate facilities for several alpacas. It will probably be 1 to 1-1/2 years before I’m ready for animals. Thank you for your information! Suzan